Children often like to put small objects such as beans, toy parts, and small stones into their ears. Insects can also fly or crawl into the ear canal, which is called foreign bodies in the ear canal.
Small and non-irritating foreign bodies such as small stones, balls, and toy parts can remain in the ear for a long time without any symptoms. Larger foreign bodies can cause symptoms such as ear pain, tinnitus, hearing loss, and reflex cough. Live insects and other animal foreign bodies can crawl and cause severe ear pain and tinnitus. Plant foreign bodies can cause inflammation and irritation when they expand in water, compressing the ear canal and causing swelling and pain. If a foreign body is found in the ear canal, it should be removed in a timely manner. The method of removing the foreign body should be based on the size, shape, location, nature of the foreign body, whether there is infection, and the age of the child.
Principles of treatment
If a child has a foreign body in their ear, parents should not panic. If it is a small insect that has crawled in, you can shine a flashlight into the ear canal in a dark place. Insects generally like light and will crawl out along the light. You can also tilt the ear canal upwards and drop 3-5 drops of edible oil. After a few minutes, the insect will drown and flow out when the ear canal is tilted downwards.
If water gets into the ear, you can use a cotton ball to absorb the water from the ear and tilt the ear canal with water downwards while hopping on one foot to let the water flow out. If objects like beans or marbles enter the ear, this method can also be used.
If the above methods are ineffective, remember not to use sharp objects to dig it out. You should go to the hospital immediately for treatment.
